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National Cups Rules and Notes from the Commissioners

Notes from the National Cup Commissioners

We would like to emphasize the following points if you are going to enter the National Cups competition:

ONLY fully completed online applications will be accepted by the Commissioner.

It is the responsibility of the entering/participating teams to know the rules of the competition. Please click here to review the USASARegion I Cup Rules and Policies.

International Clearance is required when reaching the Regional level of the competition. If you have a player on your roster who was not born in the United States, please make sure that he is eligible to play. Please click here for information on US Soccer International Clearance.

Mass Soccer Player cards are mandatory at all level of the competition. (Temporary IDs may be printed off our website for the state qualifying rounds.) Please contact the State Registrar to obtain valid passcards.

Teams MUST have a valid field permit in hand for every Saturday or Sunday for the duration of the competition. Not having a home field will be ground for being denied participation. When scheduling your games, keep in mind that:

Saturday games must kickoff at 10am or later.

Sunday games must kickoff at noon or later.

For games starting at 3pm or later, the field must have lights.

Consent from your opponent is needed for games kicking off after 6pm

Mid-week games are welcomed and encouraged if both teams agree.

Home team must confirm the game details to the Commissioners no less than 5 days prior to the scheduled game date.

A forfeiture referee bond shall be posted by each team to the Cup Commissioner prior or at the Cup drawings. It shall be used for referee payment should a team default and/or forfeit a game. For the Regional round, the bond value shall be adjusted to meet Region I requirements.

In case of uniform conflict, it is the responsibility of the home team to change shirts. Uniforms shall consist of a uniform shirt with unique permanent numbers on the back, shorts, and socks of the same color and design. A fine will be levied by the Commissioner for each infraction if the dress code is not followed by the team.

Fifteen minutes prior scheduled time of match, team manager will provide the referee 2 copies of an official Mass Soccer Game Roster. This roster must be presented to the referee and WITHOUT ALTERATION to any of the players’ names. (However, alternative shirt numbers may be written on the Game Roster if necessary). For help with your tournament roster, please email our State Registrar.

Team Managers - FAQs for State Rounds

1. Are rosters and Player Cards required?

Mass Soccer Amateur Cup rosters are required. Player cards are preferred, but temporary IDs may be printed off the Mass Soccer Website, if plastic cards can not be located. Government issued IDs and use of electronic device (must be logged in to mass-soccer website) are OK

2. Will we be able to make changes to our roster through out the competition?

YES - But only during the state rounds of the competition. In regional play, USASA rules apply.

3. Is there a restriction for the # of players on your roster?

NO - In the state rounds, there is no limit to the number of players you can have on your roster. HOWEVER: After the ref checks in the 11 starters, team manager MUST designate/select the 7 substitute players for the match. Any additional player names on the roster MUST be strikethrough.

Only the 7 substitute players & the coaching staff can remain in the team bench/technical area.

4. What is the substitution rules for the Cup tourney?

7 subs are allowed with no re-entry

5. What if the game ends in a tie after 90 mins of play?

For matches tied after 90 minutes, teams will play two full 15-minute extra time periods (no golden goal). If still tied, FIFA Kicks From The Mark will be used to determine the winner.